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I remember a little boy standing at the entrance of a massive, mahogany-lined office so hopeful. I remember Drake looking up at me with derision, asking if I wanted to play. I remember being ashamed to say yes, like wanting his attention was a weakness.
Now my stomach burns with anger. It wasn’t wrong to need someone. I had lost everything.
If only I’d had a sibling or even one extended family member. I had nothing but that shriveled reptile of a human whose heart had dried up long ago.
Our interactions were reserved for formal walks through his mansion, while he pointed out his possessions and made special note of their value. He wanted to be sure his massive collection lived on after him.
Then he died, and I was free.
Only, the joke was on me.
I’m not free.
“You taught me to be cold like you, and I was a star pupil.”
Reading the epitaph again, I realize I wrote the words for me, for when I came here again as I knew I would one day.
The real lesson I learned from this man is love must be shared with something that can be lost.
Giving it to possessions only diminishes its value. Love becomes priceless when you have to earn the right to keep it.
True love takes risk. It takes vulnerability.
Only then have you found something irreplaceable.
* * *
“He does such a good job on repairs.” Heather stands on the other side of her mahogany desk, moving the heavy ring back and forth on the black velvet mat. “You can’t even tell a stone was replaced.”
“It’s an unusual piece. I can’t say I would’ve picked it out myself.” Lifting the ring, I inspect the baguettes lining the sides for any sign of looseness.
“True. It’s not the most romantic ring I’ve ever seen.” Heather slides it on her slim finger. “It has a fierce quality, though.”
“Fierce.” My mind drifts to the last time I saw Joselyn. “It’s a good description.”
“Just so you know, my middle name is Lynn, which can be a boy or a girl’s name.”
A smile fidgets at the corner of my mouth, and I shake my head. “You can hold the baby names. I’m not proposing with this.”
“You’re not!” Her jaw drops, and she’s so disappointed. “Then why are you here? I told you I’d bring it to you.”
“I had some business to settle in Providence. It was just as easy for me to collect it from you.”
“What business? Are you stepping out on me, Spence?”
I hate that diminutive. “It’s not hard to say the R.”
“Stop changing the subject. What were you doing in Providence?”
“Wrapping up some family business. I would expect by now you’d know we deal
with Grafton before anyone.”
A smile breaks across her face. “Being careful is what keeps me on top.”
“Yes, I know.” I hold out my hand, but she shakes her head in disgust.
“I’m not giving it to you like this. I have a box and tissue. I’ll wrap it up and make it look nice. Maybe then… if you’re lucky, she’ll accept it.”
